The 100th draw of the federal Express Entry system took place in September. Moreover, there were important milestones in this record-breaking year. IRCC also issued more ITAs (89,800) in 2018 than in any previous year. The new record happened owing to the increase in Federal level targets of IRCC.

Federal High Skilled Immigration Targets

The target for the present year was 74,900 and would be 81,400 in 2019. Issuing more ITA is likely in 2019 because IRCC continues to collect data on how more invitations relate to successful candidates.

Some facts

Even though there was an overall annual ITA record the record for dispatching the highest invitations in a draw was set at 3,923 set on 13th April 2017. There were eight draws which issued 3,900 ITAs in the present year. Also, there were 27 draws in 2018 but in 2017 there were 30 draws. The average draw size was large in 2018. Additionally, IRCC started to use a new rule regarding tie-break. It is based on the date of submission of the EE profile. The result was a uniformity of ITA figures.

In the future, the immigration level targets will be high and the authorities will surpass the 4,000-barrier in 2019.

Low Minimum CRS Scores

The minimum CRS scores followed a consistently low pattern. The lowest was 439, in the draw held on Dec 19th. The standard of profiles in the Express Entry Pool is improving, and candidates are discovering many ways to increase their scores. A feature of the CRS scores, in 2018 was that there were 15 draws where the minimum score was in the range between 439 and 442 points.

Provincial Streams

The provinces started to use the Express Entry System creatively. There was a focus in Ontario on candidates speaking French-and also on skilled trades. In Nova Scotia, the preference was on labour market priorities, and in B.C. on technology professionals. Prince Edward Island and Alberta started to use the EE pool. Many provinces want to use to great advantage, and also attract newcomers for meeting their specific requirements.

A provincial nomination is also most suitable for candidates who have a low CRS score, to get the ITA.

Projections for 2019

Furthermore, there is an increase in the Federal immigration levels, and the Express Entry Draw sizes will also need to increase. A feature of the monthly draws this year was a gradual increase throughout the year. It was 2,750 in Jan and 3,900 in December. There is a likelihood of more consistent draw sizes in the future.